Improved method and apparatus for hazardous vapor suppression fire prevention and/or fire extinguishment

ABSTRACT

Apparatus and methods for protecting potentially hazardous areas from flammable vapors, gases and/or fire, including use of one or more portable adjustable base, monitor and nozzle apparatus systems.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of, and claims priority to,U.S. Ser. No. 60/506,870, entitled Method for Protecting AgainstHazardous Vapors, filed Sep. 29, 2003.

[For U.S. Application only: This application is also acontinuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/569,178, filed May 11,2000, entitled (Daspit Tool) Portable Wall-Attachable Fire FightingApparatus and Method, which is a continuation-in-part of PCT ApplicationSerial No. US98/21720, filed Oct. 14, 1998, entitled PortableWall-Attachable Fire Fighting Apparatus and Method.]

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The instant invention pertains to apparatus and methods for hazardousvapor suppression and fire fighting, and more particularly to portableadjustable monitor apparatus systems and methods of use. The inventionis applicable in particular for fighting liquid storage tank seal fires,for inhibiting hazardous vapor release from tanks having sunken ordislodged roofs and for blanketing tank roof seal fires with foam Theinvention is applicable in general for affording reliable, adjustableand flexible protection for newly identified hazards, includingprotecting from the potential hazards of flammable vapors and/or gaseswhich could arise from earthquakes or terrorist events. The inventionincludes improved monitor anchoring means and improved automatic sensingsystems relating thereto.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Industrial fires, and industrial liquid storage tank fires in particularare typically fought utilizing portable nozzles, adjustably staged adistance from the fire. Use of such nozzles is referred to as a Type IIIapplication. The nozzles are usually held by hand or fixed to a monitormaneuvered into place by a fire truck, trailer or aerial.

Nozzles stationed a distance away from a tank target lose some percentof their fire fighting fluid to “fallout”, as the fluid transits thedistance from the nozzle over the wall to the tank surface. Fallout isparticularly noticeable and regrettable when throwing foam, an expensiveproduct. A more precise, efficient and cost effective method of fightingcertain industrial fires and hazardous vapor situations can be achievedby minimizing fallout. Fallout can be minimized by stationing a monitorand nozzle closer to the hazard, as for instance on the rim of a targettank wall itself or on a nearby wall or pipe structure. The instantinvention discloses methods and apparatus for adjustably stationingmonitors closer to a target area, in order to blanket an area with afluid such as a foam to suppress vapors and/or to extinguish flammableliquid fire while minimizing fallout. The instant invention can alsominimize the cost of the loss of equipment and the risk to personnel.

Preferred embodiments utilize a portable adjustable monitor apparatus,including a base and a monitor structured in combination (or a monitorstructured to comprise a base,) to securely encompass a wall rim portionor a pipe portion, the apparatus having fittings for attaching to hoseor lines. A wall could be a tank wall or any vertical wall, notnecessarily a circular wall or a storage tank. The “wall” could be apickup truck tailgate, a dozer blade or a cinderblock or concrete wallsurrounding a flammable liquid storage area, depending upon thecircumstances. A pipe for mounting could be any available pipe structureof adequate diameter, such as of at least a six-inch diameter. Theapparatus base would preferably be designed for stability, low weightand versatility, ideally being adjustable to fit as many different wallor pipe-type structures as possible and to accommodate a variety ofmonitors. The apparatus, although portable, could of course be left inplace for an indefinite time.

The monitor can have attached a variety of nozzles, but preferably wouldutilize either an automatic (pressure regulating) nozzle, whichdischarges the fire fighting fluid with a given authority and range byadjusting to discharge at a selected pressure, or a fixed flow nozzle,designed to discharge at a given a volumetric flow rate, presuming anominal supply pressure. The nozzle could be a combination of the two.The nozzle might be self-educting or self-educing and self-metering.

Although the description herein recites that the apparatus win besupplied by fire fighting fluid via hoses, such “hose” could in fact bea pipe, including a fixed pipe. The word hose as used herein is intendedto encompass pipes.

The fire fighting fluid is anticipated to be water or a water-foamconcentrate solution which forms a foam upon application, as is knownThe fluid could, of course, be any effective or desired fire fightingfluid. Foam concentrate might be supplied to the nozzle via a separatepump or by self-duction or by both.

A further advantage, in addition to minimizing loss due to fallout, of aportable adjustable wall- or pipe-attachable monitor apparatus (and ofmethods of use) is that of minimizing risk to firefighters. Theinvention especially minimizes risk to personnel fighting tank sealfires and in sunken tank roof situations with fire potential. Theapparatus and methods of use can be exploited to protect theinstallation and personnel on a flexible basis, minimizing the risk toworkers and cost of loss of equipment in new and unforeseen hazardousareas. The instant apparatus is designed to apply a fire fighting fluidwhile allowing firefighters to remain largely remote. In contrast, forinstance, in current practice firefighters are frequently called upon towalk the tank wind gutters or the tank pan itself in situations of tankroof seal fires or tank roof seal hazards or where sunken tank roofs areinvolved.

In the case of clearly foreseeable and anticipated hazardous areas,which could encompass an established reservoir or include process pumpsand other equipment, which hazard area might be the occasion for a leakof flammable vapors and/or gases, it is known to place sensors inproximity to the potential sources of the hazard. The sensors areconnected to a sprinkler system or to a fixed nozzle system, connectingthrough a valve to a source of fire fighting fluid. The sprinkler systemtypically dispenses water and/or water and a fire fighting foam. Thewater and/or water/foam can form a blanket for cooling and suppressingany hazardous vapor yield, prior to a fire, thereby eliminating two armsof the historic fire triangle (air, fuel, heat).

In the course of time and events, however, unanticipated andunforeseeable locales for potential hazards can arise. For these localeswhich there is no established sprinkler or fixed nozzle system. For someof these areas a traditional fixed sprinkler or fixed nozzle systemmight not even be possible, or at least easily adapted. Examples of suchsituations arise, for instance, during the repair of vessels or pumps orother equipment or in the case of temporary storage. Such situationscould arise because of previously unanticipated causes, such asunpredicted levels of terrorism. In these unanticipated situations, atraditional sensor and sprinkler or fixed nozzle system might beimpractical, or too expensive, or take too much time to installFurthermore, a traditional sprinkler and fixed nozzle system mightsuffer from the inherent disadvantage of being typically installed abovea hazard. So situated, they run the risk of being damaged themselves byan explosion or fire before being effectively activated. The instantinvention can address all of these problems.

Apparatus and method for hazardous vapor suppression and/or fireprotection and extinguishment have been developed that includesdeployment of a portable adjustable base/monitor/nozzle apparatussystem, possibly associated with a sensor and a valve. The inventionincludes method and apparatus for the deployment of a plurality of suchsystems around a plurality of tanks associated with a preferably remotepump.

While industrial tanks containing liquids known to omit hazardous vaporsare typically covered with a floating root events, such as anearthquake, can cause defects in the roofs, defects such as sinking ortilting. Such disasters can cause defects in a plurality of roofs at onesite at one time, creating a large-scale potential hazard. The instantinvention offers a cost effective means for planning for such disasters.

To protect against potential hazards, sensors can be set to detect thepresence of hazardous levels of vapors around tanks in plants,refineries and tank farms and/or sensors can be set in the surroundingcountryside and community, taking into account that vapors migrate. Uponthe detection of a hazardous level of vapor by a sensor, regulationslikely require the owner to cover the surface of the potentiallyhazardous area with a blanket of foam to suppress the vapor and also tomaintain that blanket until the situation can be otherwise ameliorated.

Foam concentrates are expensive. A cost effective means for preparing toestablish and for establishing and for maintaining a foam blanket in ahazard area (such as a tank with a tilted or sunken roof or the lice) isof value. Cost effective means are particularly valuable when an ownermust plan for a hazardous situation arising among a plurality of tankssimultaneously.

A significant defect of commonly available portable foam applyingequipment, such as monitors and nozzles located on fire trucks,trailers, and/or aerials, is that they are cost intensive. Not many areavailable in one location. Cost prohibits stockpiling. A second defectis that such trucks, trailers and aerials are limited in their mobility,being typically limited to roads or the like, and further, they requirea certain amount of human attendance, raising personnel risk.

Deployment of a more cost effective portable adjustable base, monitorand nozzle system, more cost effective than prior art systems, a systemthat can be stationed closer to a hazard in times of emergency tominimize fallout, a system that requires less human attendance, a systemthat is less expensive to stockpile and less expensive if lost, more ofwhich systems, therefore, can be stockpiled for use in case ofemergency, and several of which systems can be operated by one remotepump, comprises an improved and advantageous system. Such alternativesystem (to deploying multiple trucks, aerials or the like) can includethe ability to deploy a plurality of systems associated with a pluralityof tanks, each attached to one remote pump, to protect a tank farm incase of earthquake or terrorism.

In general, a portable adjustable base/monitor/nozzle system canfrequently be staged closer to a hazard, such as a tank surface,possibly on a portion of a target tank wall rim itself or at least onnearby structure such as piping or on a portable frame, therebyeliminating or minimizing loss of foam to “fallout”. The portableadjustable base/monitor/nozzle apparatus system of the instant inventionis not only more mobile in the sense that it can be set up closer to atank, if not on the tank wall rim itself but is also more mobile in thesense than it can be located more precisely vis-à-vis prevailing winds,being less limited as to traversing terrain. As a result of the instantinvention, more foam should reach a tank surface, less foam should becarried away by path dispersion and crosswinds, the cost of potentialequipment loss can be minimized, the maximum equipment can be stockpiledin anticipation of emergency, and human risk can be minimized.

In regard to maiming loss and maximizing equipment stockpiling, notethat the portable adjustable base/monitor/nozzle system of the instantinvention is less expensive than a fire truck, trailer, aerial or thelike, so that a tank firm or plant could have a plurality on hand in theevent of a disaster, for instance, that displaced multiple roofs at thesame location and at the same time. The cost is less if the equipment islost. One remotely staged pump, either as an independent pump or as apump associated with a fire truck, stationed more remotely than aplurality of portable adjustable base/monitor/nozzle systems, couldregulate a plurality of systems, including activating them in series.Personnel associated with the pump could be stationed more remotelyalso.

Applying foam to a tank surface or other hazard area from a firstsystem, prior to completing the establishing of a second system at amore cost effective location, can lessen the risk of loss of equipmentand/or human life while setting up the second system, which secondsystem in turn is located at a more cost effective and optimal location.More optimal locations would typically be as close as possible tohazards or tank surfaces, in order to minimize loss from “fallout”. Oneoptimal location is a rim of a target tank wall. Another optimallocation might be the ground proximate a tank or hazard.

In one embodiment, the improved methodology of the instant inventioninvolves using what is referred to as two foam-applying systems,distinct in regard to at least one of location and equipment. Forconvenience, they are referred to herein as a fist system and a secondsystem. The second system comprises a portable adjustablebase/monitor/nozzle apparatus. The portable adjustable apparatus isconnected to a source of fire-fighting fluid by an appropriate line andis also connected to a source of foam concentrate, by either a separateline or the same line.

The second system is more cost effective than the first system, at leastby location or equipment. Typically, the first system comprises a firefighting truck, trailer or aerial. However, it should be understood thatthe first system could comprise a portable adjustablebase/monitor/nozzle apparatus in fluid communication with a source offire fighting fluid and foam concentrate. One key distinction betweenthe first system and the second system is that the second system is morecost effective, by at least either location or equipment. The secondsystem's cost effectiveness may be due primarily to a more advantageouslocation vis-à-vis the hazard. Preferably it is also due to the lowercost of the equipment, making it cheaper to buy and less to lose if itis sacrificed. In a preferred embodiment, the second system wouldoptimally be attached to a wall rim portion of a tank itself. Theusefulness of the less cost effective first system, whatever apparatusit may comprise, is in establishing an initial application of foam. Theinitial application of foam creates a less risky environment for settingup or completing the set up of the second system. The source of a secondsystem's enhanced cost effectiveness could not only be that it ischeaper equipment and/or that it is located closer to the hazard butalso that the second system is located more advantageously with respectto a prevailing wind.

In a typical scenario, comprising one preferred embodiment, a firstsystem would comprise a relatively expensive fire truck or aerial. Thetruck or aerial would have relatively limited mobility as compared to aportable adjustable base/monitor/nozzle system, the truck or aerialtypically being United to roadways or paved ways. The expensive truck oraerial would also have various humans in attendance, creating a doublereluctance to place it too close to a tank that is subject to overflowor explosion.

The second system, including a portable adjustable base, monitor andnozzle apparatus, after being set up, would require little to no humanattendance and would be less expensive to replace if it were lost. Thesecond system, being relatively inexpensive per se, could be stockpiledby an industrial plant or tank farm or the like, in order to have aplurality of such systems in readiness. It is anticipated that thesecond systems would be able to be set up and located closer and morestrategically than the first system to the hazard. In one embodiment,the first system comprises the same equipment as the second system. The“second system” differs from the “first system” in that, after beinginitially set up at one location, it is picked up and moved to a morecost effective location.

A further embodiment of the instant invention comprises operating aplurality of portable adjustable base, monitor and nozzle systems, eachlocated proximate to one of a plurality of tanks, from one remote pump.The pump could be a freestanding pump or a pump associated with a firetruck. The pump can be more safely located more remote from the hazard,at least vis-à-vis the location of the portable base/monitor/nozzlesystem. A remote pump preferably could operate severalbase/monitor/nozzle systems in sequence in order to establish and/ormaintain a foam blanket on a hazard or the surface of a plurality oftanks.

A further improvement in portable adjustable base/monitor/nozzle systemscomprises a system that can be mounted on a pipe. A pipe-mounted,portable adjustable base/monitor/nozzle system preferably includes atie-down strap and a pipe-mounting device. The system may include asupport-leg section. The tie-down strap affixes the pipe-mount device tothe top of a pipe using a pressure fit. The pressure fit is effective bymeans of a strap wench attached to the tie-down device. The support-legsection resists torqueing of the pipe-mount device around the pipeduring use.

As used herein, the term “portable” contrasts with and distinguishesfrom a “fixed system” as that phrase is understood in the industry.

“Adjustable” means that the relationship of the monitor/base with itssubstrate is adjustable, in at least one dimension, and that therelationship with the substrate is adjustable without permanentlyaltering a man-made substrate, such as by boring bolt holes in concreteor steel or by welding (or gluing, conceivably) hooks or eyes to metalin order to receive a monitor/base.

Applying foam to a tank's surface implies applying foam to the surfaceof the contents of a tank. This surface will usually be liquid, but inthe case of a sunken or tilted root a roof might interrupt parts or allof the surface.

Hazardous vapors coming from a tank surface are suppressed when a foamblanket is established and maintained over that surface. Reciting that asecond system is more cost effective than a first system in establishingor maintaining such a foam blanket implies that the second system is atleast one of less expensive and located more advantageously than thefist system vis-à-vis a tank surface. Both systems could comprise thesame equipment, setup in different locations. More typically the firstsystem would comprise a fire truck, aerial, trailer or the like, whichis more expensive equipment.

A fire fighting fluid line is usually a hose but could be a pipe or afixed pipe.

A monitor is a device that permits a nozzle at least one degree offreedom. Preferably, a monitor permits a nozzle two degrees of freedom,typically in azimuth and in inclination.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The instant invention includes method and apparatus for protecting apotentially hazardous area from flammable vapors and/or gases and/orfire, and comprises locating or situating a monitor, nozzle and portableadjustable base a suitable distance from a hazard area, the monitor andnozzle being connected to a source of fire fighting fluid. The methodcan include placing a valve in a line of fluid communication between thenozzle and the source of the fire fighting fluid. The valve ispreferably in communication with a flammable vapor and/or gas and/orfire sensor. The sensor and valve can be structured such that upondetection by the sensor of a predetermined hazardous level of vapor, gasor fire, a communication for opening is forwarded to the valve. Openingplaces the nozzle in communication with fire fighting fluid such that afire fighting fluid footprint, thrown by the nozzle, fail on at leastpart of the hazardous area.

In preferred embodiments the nozzle is an automatic(pressure-regulating) nozzle and/or a foam nozzle, possiblyself-educting and/or self-metering. Preferably the nozzle is not locatedabove the hazard area but at least 100 feet laterally from the hazardarea.

The invention also includes an improved method for hazardous vaporsuppression in a tank. The method includes applying foam to the tanksurface from a first foam-applying system. Subsequent to initiating theapplication of foam from the first system, the method includescompleting setup of a second portable adjustable foam applying system,the second system differing from the first system by having at least oneof a more cost effective location and a lower equipment cost. The methodincludes establishing or maintaining a foam blanket on the tank surfaceat least primarily, if not solely, with the second system, and whereinthe second system includes portable adjustable base, monitor and nozzleapparatus attached to a fire fighting fluid line. In preferred systems,the first system includes a fire truck, a tailer or an aerial.

The invention also includes a method and apparatus for hazardous vaporand/or fire suppression in a tank comprising setting up or locating aplurality of portable adjustable foam-applying systems, each systemincluding a base, monitor and nozzle, proximate a plurality of tanks.The method includes establishing or maintaining a foam blanket onsurfaces of the tanks with the plurality of portable adjustablefoam-applying systems and pumping fire fighting fluid to two or moreportable adjustable systems using one more remote pump. The more remotepump might be associated with a fire truck. Foam might be thrown fromthe plurality of nozzles in sequence.

The invention also includes apparatus for hazardous vapor and/or firesuppression wherein a portable adjustable base/monitor/nozzle apparatusincludes at least one tie-down strap for encircling at least a six-inchdiameter pipe and a pipe-mount device for fixed attachment between theat least one tie-down strap and the monitor. A support leg may beattached between the ground and the pipe-mount device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A better understanding of the present invention can be obtained when thefollowing detailed description of the preferred embodiment is consideredin conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A presents a side illustrative view of a base portion of theapparatus applicable for attachment to a monitor and to hose.

FIG. 1B presents an end view of the apparatus of FIG. 1A having amonitor attached.

FIG. 2A presents a side view of apparatus similar to that in FIG. 1A butof larger size.

FIG. 2B presents an end view of the apparatus of FIG. 2A having monitorattached.

FIG. 3 illustrates a stem attachment providing an auxiliary dischargefor the apparatus.

FIG. 4 illustrates a methodology using the present invention.

FIGS. 5A and 5B present side and end views similar to FIGS. 2A and 2B,also illustrating an adjustable lockdown lug.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a portable frame to provide a suitable wallrim portion to which the monitor apparatus and base structure may beaffixed, the frame particularly suitable for bolting to a pickup truckbed.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate an alternate frame for providing a wall rimportion to which the monitor apparatus and base structure may beaffixed, the frame of FIGS. 7A and 7B being suitable for locating on theground.

FIG. 8 illustrates a preferred embodiment of apparatus and method forprotecting potentially hazardous areas from flammable vapors and gases,as well as fire extinction.

FIGS. 9-11 illustrate a preferred embodiment of a pipe-mounting systemfor a portable adjustable base/monitor/nozzle apparatus.

FIG. 12 illustrate methods for deploying a portable base/monitor/nozzleapparatus in addressing hazards.

The drawings are primarily illustrative. It would be understood thatstructure may have been simplified and details omitted in order toconvey certain aspects of the invention. Scale may be sacrificed toclarity.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1A illustrates portions of a preferred portable adjustablewall-attachable fire fighting apparatus. Apparatus 10 is illustrated inFIG. 1A without monitor 24 attached. FIG. 1B illustrates apparatus 10with monitor 24 attached. Monitor 24 could be an integral part of theapparatus. Alternately, to enhance versatility, a base could be designedsuch that the base is attachable, such as by fitting 16, with a varietyof monitors.

Referring to FIG. 1A, a base is preferably comprised of a saddle 12 oflightweight construction, such as aluminum. The benefit of lightweightconstruction is that it may enable a firefighter to carry the apparatusup the ladder of a tank. The saddle shape of base 12 is betterillustrated by the end view of FIG. 1B. Base 12 is shown provided withone or more screw clamps 18. A variety of attachment means could beutilized. Screw clamp 18 permits a given base 12 to be attached to avariety of rim walls, from concrete block walls to tank walls tobulldozer blades and pickup truck tailgates.

Base 12 is shown fitted with pipe 22, preferably having swivelconnections 20. Pipe 22 preferably ends in one or more hose connections14. FIG. 1A shows an apparatus designed for a 2½″ hose connection. Theapparatus of FIGS. 1A and 1B can likely be made portable by firefightersup a ladder of a tank in an emergency. In FIGS. 1A and 1B a 5″ monitorconnection 16 is provided for mating with monitor 24. Again monitor 24is preferably also constructed of aluminum in order to achieve alightweight result. Monitor 24 is shown with a 3″ waterway. Nozzle 26 isconnected to the outlet end of monitor 24.

Means are provided on a monitor, as is known in the art, to adjust themonitor in azimuth and inclination.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a larger version of the portable wallattachable fire fighting apparatus. In FIGS. 2A and 2B only one fitting14 is provided for connection with a hose. FIGS. 2A and 2B illustratethe placement of lifting eye 13 to permit the portable wall-attachablefire fighting apparatus to be lifted into place by a crane. Monitor 24is shown providing a 4″ waterway with a dual hand-wheel and a 3½″outlet. The apparatus is shown having a 4″ flanged monitor connection16. Provision is made for a 5″ hose connection 14.

FIG. 3 illustrates a connecting piece 28 that provides an enhancementfor the portable wall-attachable fire fighting apparatus. Stem 28 wouldscrew into hose fitting 14 and provide a fitting 15 for connection to ahose. Stem 28 provides valve 30 and auxiliary discharge port 32. Thevalue of stem 28 is to be able to siphon fluid off from the hose priorto delivery to the monitor outlet in order to use the fluid for anauxiliary discharge unit.

FIG. 4 illustrates portions of the methodology of the present invention.Firefighter 40 is illustrated climbing ladder 32 on the side of tank 36having a sunken or dislodged roof 38. Firefighter 40 is shown carryingapparatus 10 to the top of the tank wall where it will be set in place.Wand 40 is shown in place connected to hose 34 in order to distributefoam at least over the area immediately below and on both sides of theladder in the tank for the protection of firefighter 40. Apparatus 10 isconnected to hose 34. If apparatus 10 contains an auxiliary dischargeport the firefighter may not only adjust the monitor to appropriatelytarget a mainstream of fluid but the firefighter may also attachdischarge apparatus to the auxiliary port in order to target secondaryareas.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are similar to FIGS. 2A and 2B, discussed above. FIG.5A, in particular, illustrates an adjustable lockdown lug 30, useful foraffixing the portable wall attachable fire fighting apparatus to a wallrim portion provided by a portable frame. As can be seen in FIGS. 6A,6B, 7A and 7B, lug 30 locks around an angle element 46 or 56, affixed tothe wall rim provided by the portable frame.

FIGS. 6A and 6B and 7A and 7B illustrate two embodiments of a portableframe that can be used to provide a wall rim portion to which theportable wall attachable fire fighting apparatus can be attached. Theframe of FIGS. 6A and 6B is particularly adapted for being bolted to apickup truck bed. Frame element 40 comprises pieces of angle iron havingbolt holes 41 for becoming affixed to a pickup truck bed. Transverseangle iron element 48 attaches to and between side angle iron elements40. Vertical plate 42 is affixed between side angle iron frame elements40. Vertical plate 42 provides the wall rim portion to which the firefighting apparatus may be attached. Webbing 44 is designed to hold wallelement 42 securely in place with respect to frame elements 40 and 48.Preferably, the upper rim of vertical wall portion 42 is firmly securedto an angle rim element 46. Adjustable lockdown lug 30 is designed tolock over a portion of angle iron element 46, helping to further securethe portable fire fighting apparatus to the portable frame. Lockdownscrew 19 adjustably attaches the fire fighting apparatus to wall portion42 provided by the portable frame.

The frame illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B is intended to be installed orlocated upon the ground. Leg strap hose receivers 53 are providedattached to frame legs 50. Leg receivers 53 receive hose to help provideballast for the frame on the ground. Preferably legs 50 of the frame ofFIGS. 7A and 7B would be removable for ease in handling. As in FIGS. 6Aand 6B, the frame of FIGS. 7A and 7B provides wall 58 which provides awall rim portion for attaching the portable fire fighting apparatus. Asin FIGS. 6A and 6B, the top of vertical wall 58 is preferably affixed toan angle iron element 56 to help provide a secure attachment for theportable fire fighting apparatus.

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of apparatus and method of the instantinvention, suitable for protecting a potentially hazardous area fromflowable vapors and/or gasses and/or fire. The system is characterizedby its mobility and flexibility with respect to a hazard area. In thispreferred embodiment, a Ranger automatic nozzle 26 is mounted to amonitor 24, based and stabilized on a portable adjustablebase/monitor/nozzle apparatus, known as a throw-down Daspit tool 10. Anelectronic communication line 70 connects the nozzle/monitor/base with adiffusion or sensor head 66 for flammable vapor and/or gas detection.Such sensor head, in the illustration of FIG. 1, is mounted proximatepumps 68 for monitoring the pumps. Communication line 70 connects to anelectronic interface control valve 62 associated with the Daspit tooland monitor. The interface control valve 62 could connect between thenozzle and the monitor, between the monitor and the base, between thebase and a supply line, or between a supply line and a manifold servingseveral Daspit tools. Where the valve connects in the fire fightingfluid supply system would likely be dictated by circumstances, possiblyon a case-by-case basis.

In operation, when the diffusion or sensor head for flammable vaporsand/or gases detects a predetermined level of vapors or gases, a signalis sent through the communication line to the electronic interfacecontrol valve. The control valve opens and fire fighting fluid issupplied through interface 14 to monitor 24 and nozzle 26. The Rangernozzle is an automatic foam nozzle. The nozzle has been structured andlocated such that its footprint of water/foam covers the hazard whilethe nozzle itself is stationed a safe distance away.

The fire fighting fluid supply may be water. The water may alreadycontain foam concentrate or foam, or the Ranger nozzle may be connectedto a separate supply of foam concentrate or foam, not shown. Foamconcentrate may be pumped into and/or may be self-educted into thenozzle. Being an automatic nozzle, the Daspit tool skid has beensituated such that the pressure maintained by the automatic nozzleshould throw the fire fighting fluid 64 to and over the area of processpumps 68. Even if or when the supply pressure of the fire fighting fluidto the nozzle varies, assuming it does so within an acceptable range,the automatic Ranger nozzle should be able to self-adjust and maintainapproximately the range of its throw of fire fighting fluid 64.

The nozzle, monitor and skid are located laterally from any hazard so asto enhance the chance of survival of any explosion or fire at the hazardlocation, thereby enhancing the survivability of the protection. Atleast 100 feet is a preferred lateral separation.

Although the throw-down Daspit tool is illustrated as being attached towhat could be regarded as a portable skid, the installation, in fact,could utilize many types of bases and even become regarded as almostpermanent. Such a temporary or almost permanent installation mightprovide a more cost effective protective system, with greatersurvivability for a variety of equipment or pump hazards, than atraditional costly sprinkler system.

FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 illustrate a portable attachable monitor and baseapparatus, designed to adjustably attach to a pipe. Preferably the pipehas a diameter of at least six inches. Further, preferably the pipediameter is no greater than 30 inches. The base system includes apipe-mount device illustrated in FIG. 9B as well as in FIGS. 10 and 11.The pie-mount device in the preferred embodiment is secured to the pipeby means of at least one tie-down strap 72. The tie-down strap issecured to the pipe-mount device 76 by means of bent rod handles 84, onthe one side, and strap wrench 82 on the other side. The pipe-mountdevice includes flange adaptor 80 for attachment to a monitor andnozzle. Support leg section 74 helps give lateral support to thepipe-mount device 76. An inlet elbow adaptor 78 is provided forattachment to a hose or line.

FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate further preferred apparatus and methodologyof the instant invention. In FIG. 12A a fast system, comprising nozzle90 associated with fire truck TR, is shown applying fire fighting fluid,in this instance foam to the interior of tank T. Fallout FO illustratesthe foam lost through fallout to the ground, outside the wall of thetank. Truck TR is shown limited in its positioning to roadway R.Subsequent to establishing an initial foam blanket, a second systemcomprising a portable attachable base/monitor/nozzle device 10 is shownset up in various places around tank T for illustrative purposes. Onlyone such portable adjustable apparatus system would likely be setup pertank. One portable adjustable apparatus system is shown attached to atop wall rim portion of tank T. A second portable adjustable apparatussystem is shown affixed on the ground to a portable frame proximate tankT. A third portable adjustable apparatus system 10 is shown affixed topipe P proximate to or in the vicinity of tank T. Foam or fire fightingfluid is shown being thrown from the portable attachable apparatussystems on or into the surface of tank T. The portable attachableapparatus systems are shown attached by lines L1, L2 and L3 to sourcesof fire fighting fluid.

FIG. 12B illustrates a system in which six tanks are shown, T1 throughT6, each having a tilted or sunken roof RF. On the wall of each tank aportable adjustable fire fighting apparatus system A1 through A6 isshown attached. Systems A1 through A3 are shown attached by lines L1through L3 to pump P1. Systems A4 through A6 are shown attached by linesL4 through L6 to pump P2. Pumps P1 and n are remote from the tanks. Theattendance of personnel required for the pumps, thus, is not placed inthe vicinity of the tanks, were they to explode or overflow. Nozzlesassociated with the apparatus A1 through A6 could be firedsimultaneously and/or sequentially.

In the following claims, when a base and/or a monitor are referred to,it should be understood that one or more bases and one or more monitorscould be used. Although the invention can be practiced with one base andone monitor, multiple bases and/or multiple monitors would not changethe nature of the invention.

The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention areillustrative and explanatory thereof and various changes in the size,shape, and materials, as well as in the details of the illustratedsystem may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.The foregoing description of preferred embodiments of the invention ispresented for purposes of illustration and description, and is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formor embodiment disclosed. The description was selected to best explainthe principles of the invention and their practical application toenable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention invarious embodiments. Various modifications as are best suited to theparticular use are contemplated. It is intended that the scope of theinvention is not to be limited by the specification, but to be definedby the claims set forth below. Since the foregoing disclosure anddescription of the invention are illustrative and explanatory thereofvarious changes in the size, shape, and materials, as well as in thedetails of the illustrated device may be made without departing from thespirit of the invention. The invention is claimed using terminology thatdepends upon a historic presumption that, absent a contrary indication,recitation of a single element covers one or more, and recitation of twoelements covers two or more, and the lie. Also, the drawings andillustration herein have not necessarily been produced to scale.

1. A method for protecting a potentially hazardous area (hazard area)from flammable vapors and/or gases and/or fire, comprising: locating amonitor, nozzle and portable adjustable base a suitable distance fromthe hazard area, the monitor and nozzle connected to a source of firefighting fluid; and placing a valve in a line of fluid communicationbetween the nozzle and the source of fire fighting fluid and incommunication with a flammable vapor and/or gas and/or fire sensor, thesensor and valve structured such that upon detection by the sensor of apredetermined hazardous level of vapor, gas, or fire, a communicationfor opening is forwarded to the valve and wherein opening places thenozzle in communication with fire fighting fluid such that a firefighting fluid footprint thrown by the nozzle falls on at least part ofthe hazard area.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the nozzle is anautomatic nozzle.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein the nozzle is a foamnozzle.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the nozzle is a not locatedabove the hazard area.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein the nozzle islocated at least 100 feet laterally from the hazard area.
 6. The methodof claim 1 that includes adjusting at least two degrees of freedom ofthe monitor to aim the nozzle toward the hazardous area.
 7. The methodof claim 1 wherein the nozzle is a self-educting, self-meteringautomatic foam nozzle.
 8. The method of claim 1 wherein the baseincludes at least one of a saddle and a tie-down strap.
 9. The method ofclaim 1 wherein the sensor is located proximate the hazard area. 10.Apparatus for protecting a potentially hazardous area (hazard area) fromflammable vapors and/or gases and/or fire, comprising: a monitorconnecting a nozzle and a portable adjustable base, the monitor in fluidcommunication with a source of fire fighting fluid; a valve placed in aline of fluid communication between the nozzle and the source of firefighting fluid; and a flammable vapor and/or gas and/or fire sensor incommunication with the valve.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein thenozzle is an automatic nozzle.
 12. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein thenozzle is a foam nozzle.
 13. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein thenozzle is a self-educting, automatic nozzle.
 14. The apparatus of claim10 wherein the monitor adjusts for two degrees of freedom for thenozzle.
 15. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the sensor is locatedproximate the hazard area.
 16. An improved method for hazardous vaporsuppression in a tank, comprising: applying foam to the tank surfacefrom a first foam applying system; subsequent to initiating theapplying, completing setup of a second portable adjustable foam applyingsystem, the second system differing from the first system by having atleast one of (1) a more cost effective location and (2) a lowerequipment cost; establishing or maintaining a foam blanket on the tanksurface at least primarily, if not solely, with the second system; andwherein the second system includes portable adjustable base, monitor andnozzle apparatus attached to a fire fighting fluid line.
 17. The methodof claim 16 that includes ceasing to apply foam to the tank using thefirst system after the second system is set up.
 18. The method of claim16 wherein the first system includes a fire truck, a trailer or anaerial.
 19. The method of claim 16 wherein the second system has both amore cost effective location and a lower equipment cost than the firstsystem.
 20. The method of claim 16 wherein the equipment of the firstsystem is less mobile than that of the second system in regard tolocating vis-à-vis a tank.
 21. The method of claim 16 wherein the secondsystem is attached to a source of foam concentrate.
 22. The method ofclaim 16 wherein the portable adjustable base, monitor and nozzleapparatus of the second system is adapted to attach over a wall rimportion.
 23. The method of claim 16 wherein the portable adjustablebase, monitor and nozzle apparatus of the second system is attached to aportable frame.
 24. The method of claim 16 that includes setting up aplurality of second systems to blanket a plurality of tank surfaces withfoam, the plurality of second systems in fluid communication with onemore remote pump.
 25. An improved method for hazardous vapor and/or firesuppression in a tank, comprising: setting up a plurality of portableadjustable foam applying systems, each system including a base, monitorand nozzle, proximate a plurality of tanks; establishing or maintaininga foam blanket on surfaces of the tanks with the plurality of portableadjustable foam applying systems; and pumping fire fighting fluid to twoor more portable adjustable systems with one more remote pump.
 26. Themethod of claim 25 wherein the pump is associated with a fire truck. 27.The method of claim 25 that includes throwing foam from the plurality ofnozzles in sequence.
 28. Apparatus for improved hazardous vapor and/orfire suppression, comprising: a plurality of systems, each systemincluding a portable adjustable base, monitor and nozzle apparatus; eachsystem stationed on or proximate to a separate hazardous vapor tank; andwherein the plurality of systems are in fluid communication with onemore remote pump.
 29. Apparatus for improved hazardous vapor and/or firesuppression, comprising: portable adjustable base/monitor/nozzleapparatus including at least one tie-down strap for encircling at leasta six-inch diameter pipe and a pipe-mount device for fixed attachmentbetween the at least one tie-down strap and the monitor.
 30. Theapparatus of claim 29 including at least one support leg for attachmentbetween a ground and the pipe-mount device.